Miguel Montero’s Unique Journey as Cubs Position Player Pitcher
Miguel Montero etched his name into Chicago Cubs history with a memorable performance during the 2016 postseason, including a pivotal grand slam in the National League Championship Series (NLCS) against the Los Angeles Dodgers. His contributions didn’t end there; Montero also played a crucial role in the 10th inning of Game 7 of the 2016 World Series. However, before becoming a postseason legend, he took the mound in a rather unusual situation for the Cubs during the regular season.
Cubs’ Unconventional Move Amid Struggles
On July 3, 2016, the Cubs faced the New York Mets at Citi Field in a game that would highlight the team’s struggles during a troubling stretch. The Cubs, who boasted a remarkable 103 wins that season, were in the midst of a surprising 5-15 run over three weeks. This particular game marked the culmination of a four-game series, with the Cubs having lost the first three by a combined score of 18-8.
Starting pitcher Jon Lester endured a rough outing, allowing nine hits and eight runs before being removed in the second inning. Notably, three Mets players—Curtis Granderson, Wilmer Flores, and future Cub Rene Rivera—each homered off Lester, marking the highest number of runs he had allowed in any of his 171 starts with the Cubs.
As the score ballooned to 13-1, Cubs manager Joe Maddon opted for an unconventional solution. Montero, primarily known for his role as a catcher, was summoned to pitch in the bottom of the seventh inning. With a runner on first and two outs, Montero faced Rivera, the first batter of the inning. An unfortunate hit-by-pitch occurred, but it was clear that it was unintentional. Montero managed to escape the inning without any further damage, recording a groundout.
In the eighth inning, Montero faced additional challenges, allowing four hits and one run. Ultimately, the Cubs lost the game 14-3, but Montero’s brief pitching stint became an unforgettable footnote in his career.
Another Chance on the Mound
Montero’s pitching experience didn’t conclude in 2016. The following year, he found himself on the mound again, this time against the New York Yankees at Wrigley Field. Under current rules, a position player can only pitch if a team is trailing by at least eight runs. However, during this game, the Cubs were down by only five runs, trailing 11-6 when Montero took the mound in the ninth inning after pinch-hitting earlier in the game.
Despite issuing a couple of walks and throwing a wild pitch, Montero successfully prevented the Yankees from scoring. Unfortunately for the Cubs, they could not mount a comeback, losing 11-6 and concluding the game without any further runs.
Montero’s departure from the Cubs later that year was somewhat contentious, but he has since been welcomed back to Wrigley Field following his retirement. He is set to join 16 other members of the 2016 World Series champion Cubs at the upcoming Cubs Convention, a gathering that celebrates the team’s historic achievements.
Reflecting on these moments, Montero’s journey from a key postseason player to an unexpected pitcher showcases the unpredictable nature of baseball and the unique roles players can embrace in extraordinary circumstances.
